Chris Johnson, Anglican Investigator and writer of Midwest Conservative Journal, has a knack for coming up with bizarre stuff from the Episcopal Church. Today, it’s the story of the Parapsychological Pastor, also known as the Rev. Dr. Paige Blair, who is rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church,York Harbor, Maine. She has just been announced as a candidate for the episcopal seat in the diocese of El Camino Real in California. She is the leading exponent (indeed, perhaps the originator) of the U2charist, a worship service in which all of the music comes from the band U2. She’s a supporter of gay bishops and same-sex unions, though that’s hardly unique. She does polity-speak pretty well, too. But what’s most interesting about her is that she has a “Ph.D” (mentioned on the “bishop search” page of the diocese) from that internationally known university called the American Institute of Holistic Theology, which is a very interesting school. For instance, here’s it’s accreditation information:
AIHT is accredited by The Certification and Accreditation Board of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP).
The AADP includes among its “accredited” schools such fine institutions as the Academy of BioEnergetics, the Aliveness Now Coaching Studio, the Ayurveda Holistic Center, the Charleston School of Massage, Florida Vedic College, Gulliver’s Living and Learning Center, the International Institute for Trichology, the Pennsylvania Center for Intuitive Studies, Transformational Energy Healing, and the Universal Church of God & Institute of Applied Religious Sciences. You get the point.
But lest you think that I’ve unfairly lumped the AIHT in with a bunch of New Age crackpots, check out some of the courses the Rev. Blair had to choose from for her six hour elective:
EC401 • MANDALA: ART AND SPIRITUALITY
Explores the ancient philosophy and the modern use of the mandala, including its specific uses for self-healing.
6 credit hoursEC402 • FENG SHUI
Investigates the ancient philosophy and modern use of feng shui as the use of energy flow in design.
6 credit hoursEC403 • WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES
Focuses on the shift from the more masculine approach to health, the external, to a more feminine approach, the internal system of guidance, as it is related to specific health issues and treatment alternatives.
6 credit hoursEC404 • DIVINATION TOOLS
Introduction to the tools of divination, the I-Ching,Tarot and Runes, as ancient methods of accessing the self and its wisdom.
6 credit hoursEC405 • EXPLORING THE LABYRINTHS
Learn what a labyrinth is and how to make your own, while discovering the effects that walking a labyrinth may have on one’s body, mind and spirit.
6 credit hoursEC406 • NATIVE AMERICAN HERBAL SECRETS
Presents concepts and dispels misconceptions about Native American lifestyles, focusing on the thoughts and philosophies behind Indian medicine and healing, including food, indigenous herbs, humor and a positive mental state.
6 credit hoursEC407 • A GUIDE TO WRITING
Focuses on expository writing, the kind of writing essential to college course work and most professional fields.
6 credit hoursEC408 • A COURSE IN MIRACLES
Study the book and learn its specific tenets regarding life, love and happiness.
6 credit hoursEC409 • HOLISTIC MARRIAGE THERAPY
Identifies concepts of the conscious versus “unconscious” marriage and offers interventions to assist the couple in healing their relationship.
6 credit hoursEC410 • BUDDHISM
A study of the origins, development, doctrine and philosophy of Buddhism.
6 credit hours
Of course, her “Ph.D” is in Holistic Ministry. At the same school, it could just as easily have been in “Parapsychic Science,” in which the required courses include DPP301 (“Astral Projection”), DPP307 (“Advanced Psychic Intuition”), DPP308 (“Channeling”), DPP311 (“Atlantis: Fact or Fiction”), DPP310 (“Business Management”–for those who want to make a buck off suckers), and of course, DPP304 (“General Theology”), in which students learn how to channel the spirit of the famed Civil War leader General Ambrose Theology.
For further insight into this “educational institution,” check out their newsletter. In the current issue, they offer a laudatory article about New Age author Neal Donald Walsch (Conversations with God), as well as an announcement about the appearance at their next Holistic World Expo of New Age guru James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy).
You can also check the faculty biographies. The only “Ph.Ds” on their faculty got their degrees from…AIHT! (Surprise, surprise.) Among these scholarly giants we have:
*Sonia Choquette: “A world-renowned psychic, alchemist, healer, teacher and AIHT graduate. Sonia’s focus is in Psychic Arts and Metaphysical Law.”
*Reginald Ashby: “Dr. Ashby is an ordained minister, author, pastoral counselor, researcher and yoga teacher. He founded the Sema Institute and the Sheti Association, which are dedicated to the teachings of mystical spirituality and the rich, reverent traditions of ancient Egypt and India.”
*Jerry Bartholow: “Reverend Bartholow founded the Humanistic Institute in Atlanta, Georgia teaching Alpha Theta Meditation, nutrition and metaphysical studies and yoga….[He] is minister of Unity Church of Birmingham, Alabama.”
*Shelley Kaehr: ” With a name whose pronunciation reflects the “care” she gives to thousands of students each year, AIHT alumna Shelley Kaehr, Ph.D., is a nationally renowned expert in metaphysics, paranormal psychology, hypnotism, energy modalities, and crystal and gemstone healing.”
*Joan Scott Lowe: “She has an active practice in Birmingham, Alabama as a homeopathic consultant/educator and a Licensed Massage Therapist.”
*Annette Reynolds: “Annette has presented hundreds of workshops and events nationally and internationally including the American Art Therapy Association, The Labyrinth Society, American Society of Dowsers Convention, Journey into Wholeness, Inc. and the Omega Institute.”
Sad to say, the AIHT doesn’t list the dissertation subjects of its “students,” and I haven’t been able to find Blair’s title on the Web, not that it really matters. This is obviously a combination New Age nut-hatchery and diploma mill (cost for the full “Ph.D” program: $600, “includes all of your books and materials, plus the embossed diploma that you receive upon graduation”). By nominating “The Rev. Paige Blair, Ph.D.” for bishop, the diocese of El Camino Real makes her fair game for public examination. A few of the questions she ought to be asked are:
1) Why did you get your “degree” from a New Age school with worthless accreditation rather than a real university?
2) What was your dissertation on, and would it be recognized as doctoral level work by any university? Did the subject have anything to do with Christianity, or Christian ministry, and if so, how were you able to undertake it given that there are no Christians on the AIHT faculty?
3) Is including this “degree”in your CV not a form of resume inflation?
4) How much of the AIHT’s New Age approach to health and wellness issues do you subscribe to?
5) Where was your bishop when you were engaging in this “course of study”? Is there any meaningful monitoring of clergy continuing education in Maine? Would you do any here?
As the old saying goes, I couldn’t make this stuff up. But if the Episcopal Church is going to keep pumping it out…
UPDATE: Welcome to the readers of Stand Firm, and thanks to Sarah Hey for posting over there a link to this site.
UPDATE: She is indeed the creative mind behind the U2charist, for whatever that’s worth (though I do think it’s a virtual certainty to have played a large role in her getting nominated for the episcopacy).
UPDATE: This is a significant correction–the actual cost of the full “Ph.D” in “Holistic Ministries” is $4000 (hat tip: commenter Conrad at Stand Firm), not $600 as I’d previously written. This nevertheless makes for another question: who pays $4000 for a “degree” from a basically unaccredited school?
UPDATE: To get an idea of what a joke it is to call Blair’s degree a “Ph.D,” here are some excerpts from the “dissertation handbook“:
Be sure that you will be able to provide at least five books and/or scholarly journal sources by several different authors for your research.
I’ve used four times that number of sources on Doctor of Ministry course papers, much less a “Ph.D dissertation.”
One of the earliest and most crucial steps in writing your paper is coming up with an effective thesis statement. Think of it as the whole paper in a nutshell. If you were going to tell someone the point of your paper in one sentence, that is your thesis statement. Your thesis statement will usually appear somewhere in the first paragraph, or introduction, of your paper. Every single sentence in your paper must have a connection to your thesis statement.
Just as my 9th grade English teacher said.
However, if your topic is one which is highly unique [“highly unique?”–I shudder to think of what my 9th grade English teacher would have said to that–Ed.], there may be some background information which the reader will need in order to understand a concept. Make sure to define unusual terms and concepts. When you have gathered your information, it is helpful to outline your paper. Organizing your thoughts and your research will help you create a well written paper.
As my daughter knew in the fifth grade.
The body of your paper should have an introductory paragraph which contains a thesis statement explaining the aim(s) of your research. The body of your paper should elaborate on your topic, presenting research to further your ideas and prove your point(s). This research should be liberally scattered throughout your paper, adding strength to your observations. A conclusion that reiterates major points and ties up all the loose ends should complete your dissertation. The length of the body of the paper should be a minimum of 25 but no more than 30 pages in length [sic]. [Emphasis in original.]
(Hat tip: commenter kb9gzg at Stand Firm.)
The Reformed Pastor 
April 4, 2007 at 5:22 pm
I need to ask Dr. Kaehr to visit my digs in the Black Hills. I have access to several tons of old gemstones that are in desperate need of healing so they can be sold.
April 4, 2007 at 7:17 pm
LOL!
April 5, 2007 at 12:23 am
This is my favorite:
*Sonia Choquette: “A world-renowned psychic, alchemist, healer, teacher and AIHT graduate. Sonia’s focus is in Psychic Arts and Metaphysical Law.”
Alchemy. It isn’t just at Hogwarts School of Wizardry anymore.
April 5, 2007 at 1:34 am
David —
Since I was (I think) the one who first posted the link to the Institute over at StandFirm, I sort of feel as a point of honor I should repost here my last comment over there. I’ve had at least as much fun with all this as anyone else, but (perhaps because I have a daughter around Mrs. Blair’s age) something kept bothering me about it. So here goes:
On second thought, and not to spoil the good clean fun we’re all having, taking a look at Mrs+ Blair’s full “education” list:
The picture I get from this is not really compatible at all with the spacey airhead image of AIHT; whatever one may think of the quality of theology at EDS, HDS, or BU, they are highly respected academic institutions, and as demanding academically as any such schools in the country. And a BU International Relations major is — as humanities go nowadays — also academically demanding, requiring courses in history, economics, and statistics, with relatively little of the Leftist basket-weaving that passes for higher education at many American institutions.
So perhaps the most interesting question is why this intelligent and personable young priest would contaminate a perfectly respectable resume with the transparently Space Cadet degree from AIHT. I have no answer, obviously, and as a 36-year-old with a total of seven years’ experience actually running a church, her qualifications for the episcopacy are somewhat thin at this point anyway. But I still have to wonder: Why?
April 5, 2007 at 6:26 am
So perhaps the most interesting question is why this intelligent and personable young priest would contaminate a perfectly respectable resume with the transparently Space Cadet degree from AIHT.
Proof positive that money can buy you an education, but it can’t buy wisdom.
April 5, 2007 at 7:54 am
Craig: I wondered that too. A look around the St. George’s parish Web site, and reading a few of her sermons, left me with the same feeling. Her preaching is liberal, but it’s not ridiculous. Amy may have the key: smarter people than Blair, I imagine, have engaged in resume padding, and while it’s a stupid and risky thing to do, maybe she simply thought that as a Rising Star in the Episcopal firmament (U2charist, star of a commercial for the denomination) no one would check. It would certainly appear that no one in El Camino Real did, or else didn’t care.
April 7, 2007 at 8:07 am
[…] we go again. You know, as an Anglican, this just makes me want to cry. Not a reasoned, intellectual response, but it is Holy Week, and I tend […]
April 9, 2007 at 11:04 am
[…] about an institution that refuses to stop making fun of itself.” Reformed Pastor: “Descent Into Parody” … (mcj.blog, […]
April 10, 2007 at 9:11 am
Perhaps padding her resume was inspired by the PB, who found it necessary to claim being a dean of a non-existent institution. And ++KJS at least has a real, earned PhD.
April 10, 2007 at 9:54 am
Remember that the ‘post-graduate studies’ in Hebrew scriptures at Harvard may have just been a single course she took on any OT book. And remember that she may very well have audited such a course. The claim to post-graduate studies, in itself, is almost meaningless without more information.
April 10, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Harry Potter might say about this story: “Bloody brilliant.”
I noticed on their website the statement: “All are welcome at God’s table.” Hmmm, another church practicing open communion?
April 10, 2007 at 7:45 pm
I assumed so.
April 13, 2007 at 8:03 am
[…] Starting to Talk I thought those of you who have been reading my Descent Into Parody post might be interested in knowing that there are folks in ECUSA’s El Camino Real diocese […]
April 16, 2007 at 10:07 am
[…] of El Camino Real has put up further information about its episcopal candidates. As noted in Descent into Parody, one of them has a rather strange entry in her resume, one that she explains, at least a […]
April 28, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Can’t help but be reminded of Matthew 5:20 here guys:
– For I tell you, unless your righteousness (your rightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. –
You’re all in my prayers.
May 14, 2007 at 11:00 am
[…] On the Dubious Doctorate You may remember that last month I had three posts (found here, here, and here) on the nomination of the Rev. Paige Blair of York Harbor, Maine to be the next […]
February 5, 2010 at 1:31 pm
It was sad to read this thread as a layman looking from the outside. It seems apparent that we are in the final days of the crystallization of Churchianity due to an over emphasis on man’s logic and reasoning as the correct approach to God. If a flower had a brain it would need years to learn how to lean toward the Son. It is not confusing at all why she attended that school. It is because all faiths are tools and all people have the spark of God within them. This person made an attempt to fuse the whole and not separate one group of God’s children from another. All must go through Christ. If we could see that all religions teach this in their own words then we can return the separate parts to the whole from which we are. It’s not a club. It’s our devine heritage because we are human.
February 20, 2010 at 3:16 pm
[…] has no right to the Dr. title, having picked it up at a diploma mill, The American Institute of Holistic Theology) can’t seem to be there for Central Michigan University trustee meetings — and […]
May 12, 2010 at 7:33 pm
If I may, I’d like to present an alternate view. I understand people’s reservations about AIHT. I certainly had them at first, but ultimately decided to enroll in their MA and PhD programs in Holistic Theology. Yes, the programs are nontraditional and unaccredited but that doesn’t mean that they have no value and do not require a significant amount of intense study. For more discussion of AIHT’s accreditation and programs, please see an article I wrote about the university here:
http://religiousintolerance.suite101.com/article.cfm/american-institute-of-holistic-theology-scam–aiht-accredited
Thank you, and best wishes.
Aimee
July 13, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I feel sad to hear of intelligent people putting down an institution that offers alternative/holistic studies on spirituality. After all, academic credentials are not the true mesure for wisdom and knowledge. Ask Jesus, HE DID NOT GET Ph.D or even wrote dissertation.
July 13, 2010 at 10:41 pm
You’re right–Jesus didn’t have a Ph.D. And there’s the irony: that institution does give out Ph.D, only they have nothing like the academic rigor of even a high school diploma. It’s trumpeted “scholars” are charlatans, and it’s “teaching” is the rankest kind of New Age nonsense. That may be fine for the crystal crowd, but a supposedly Christian pastor should be ashamed of herself for getting a “”degree” from such a “school.”
July 9, 2011 at 9:11 pm
I am new to this site, but I would like to ask a question. If you want to study spiritual, truly spiritual subjects, what Christian school can you turn to? The all have Old and New Testament studies that don’t begin to touch on the meaning of scriptures as they apply to your life (groups like BSFInternational do a better job). And the rest of the curriculum is about relationships, life issues (with a psyc orientation), church structure/history and/or social issues/missions. Where are the courses about growing the life of the Holy Spirit, about the glory experienced in being in unity with the Lord and one another, about prayer (especially intercessory prayer)? Where is the focus on personal growth? If you take a good look at most seminary programs, they don’t even provide spiritual direction anymore for their candidates. So, AIHT may be all you say, but while you are busy taking them down…can you provide the name of ONE Christian institute of higher education that is providing or producing REAL spiritual leadership? This question is neither meant to be a put down nor rhetorical. I would really like a name, because I’ve been looking for years!
August 18, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Certainly you are just as much of an “idiot” as the person you defame. New Age crackpots? Buddhism and Hinduism, well, both are much older than Christianity or Judaism for that matter. As well, so is Feng Shui, an extremely useful concept in interior design.
Before you begin rattling off about “crackpots” listen to yourself first there buddy, you sound just like one, if not far worse.
I can tell you this much, 9.9 out of 10 Christian Churches I walk into are completely devoid of any connection to God through Christ, though political affiliations abound. Go ask yourselves why and ponder on that before you go espousing hearsay about the problems and works of others.
Honestly, any religious organization (New Age or Christian) that seeks the approval of a government, instead, is highly concerning. When is the last time government and God had anything in common?
Is not Christ returning to replace there very governments?
Think about that before you speak.
As far as Interfaith Dialogue, it is quite evident much improve is need there, simply reading this poorly composed post and irrational responses to it.
August 18, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Kenneth: I haven’t got the slightest clue what you are talking about. Did you read the post, and if so, did you understand any of it at all?
April 15, 2012 at 2:52 pm
I feel there is way to much controlled learning. Just look at what our church’s have done with the supposed bible. I totally benefited from obtaining my PH.D in Holistic minitries from AIHT. I have a MFA from the school of the art Institute of chicago. I am a expressive art therapist registered and a holistic minister. Is your way of education better? AIHT offers many paths to understanding our spiritual connection. Why do people put down what they do not know?
April 16, 2012 at 8:51 pm
You, sir, have completely missed the point. Of course, if you aren’t a Christian, I don’t imagine that would make a difference to you.
April 16, 2012 at 9:13 pm
yea… judge others.. hypocrite
April 17, 2012 at 6:21 am
I judge your statements, which sounded as though they came from someone who is not a Christian. If you are, I apologize. But if you are, you are also seriously deluded if you think a New Age diploma mill is a proper source of education for a Christian.
April 17, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Wow, five years and this discussion is still alive! From my perspective, whether or not Ms. Blair’s credentials are legitimate and acceptable within her own faith tradition or the larger Christian community is merely a symptom of a much larger problem – does the creeping syncretism prevalent in post-modern Christianity rob the Gospel of it’s transformative power? If we are willing to adopt the “all dogs go to heaven” proposition, then why does the crucifixion of Christ matter? Does his resurrection affirm the power of the Creator God as unique, or are the “spiritual” powers of other religions equally authentic? Is the real presence and power of the Holy Spirit just one of many “spirits” that can be summoned like a genie in a bottle? Can crystals forgive sin? Was / is Buddha the Son of the Living God? To quote Aaron Tippin “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” Brother David and I have personal experience with the attempt of the Church to accommodate the viewpoint that Jesus Christ may not be the only path to salvation; that accommodation doesn’t strengthen the Body. I am finished with apologies for my beliefs that aren’t favored by the World; He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And He doesn’t need any assistance from “enlightened” thought or a PhD in Holistic Ministry. Shalom.
April 19, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Kenn – you have a doctorate and you don’t know the difference between there and their, or know how and when to use an apostrophe. I think you’ve made David’s point for him!
May 31, 2012 at 7:57 am
David- wow you have a serious hate for all “non-christians”! I think you need to go reread your bible and find out what the true meaning of following Christ is. You are missing the one true ingrediant…LOVE. Thats not just love for so called christians, but love for the Muslims, Jews, sinners, non-believers, and even new agers. To keep downing all “non-christians” and putting yourself higher than any of “them” is not love….
September 2, 2012 at 11:16 pm
oh my dear Lord-the non-christians are missing the point that David F. is making—I did not hear a lack of Love but only a voice for his Spiritual and Academic Beliefs. I have two Masters in Theological Studies from an Accredited College and an Accredited Seminary. Reading the Course Offerings of the American Institute of Holistic Theology made me Shudder! And to the women or was it the gentleman who claimed that Spirituality was not discussed or offered in Accreditied Schools—perhaps you would need to read the Catalogs and Offerings of more schools. I can tell you all —- it is offered and academically sound. My heart breaks when inclusivity undermines the tenents of our Faith in Jesus Christ. I do not expouse that there are many ways and religions to Heaven–that is watered down theology with the hint of political correctness.
August 17, 2016 at 10:30 am
What a wonderful read the book of Daniel is. Anointed and appointed by God over the magicians. Sorcerors, astrologers and alchemists.
Judgement, anger, hostility= evil.
Find some peace. Hurting people look for ways to hurt other people.
Perhaps one of the AIHT graduates could help you. Than again; you’re prolly of the species of perfect people who don’t require any assistance in anything. Peace & Love I pray for you.
August 17, 2016 at 10:38 am
You have completely missed the point, but thanks for the contribution. By the way, your understanding of the Book of Daniel is, shall we say, bizarre, but whatever helps you sleep at night
August 17, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Wow David, how does a nine year-old posting suddenly arouse such a skillful eisegesis of Daniel? And such constructive cliches to boot! Hope you are well my brother.
August 17, 2016 at 4:04 pm
Hi Hank! Things are good here, I hope all is well with you. This particular post has gotten more long-after comments than any other. It’s almost as though the cultists who write are somehow traumatized by there being any criticism of their cult on the Net. Blessings to you, brother!